Observed Signal · Jul 16, 2026 · Commentary · Source: The Drum · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Publicis Pro CEO: Brand Matters More in AI Age
Jon Lonsdale, chief executive of Publicis Pro and juror on The Drum B2B Awards Industry jury, argues that brand investment becomes even more important for B2B marketers in the AI era. He says AI is a seismic shift but that human judgment, taste and experience remain critical. Lonsdale predicts a closer alignment between brand building and sales conversion, expects opportunities to expand creator and influencer marketing into B2B in 2026, and urges the industry to attract new talent into B2B marketing. The article appears as part of coverage around The Drum B2B Awards, with entries closing July 23.
Industry thought leadership on B2B brand strategy in the AI era and recommendations for talent and creator/influencer investment; useful for marketers but not a platform policy or major technical release.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Jon Lonsdale is chief executive of Publicis Pro and a juror on the Industry jury for The Drum B2B Awards.
- Lonsdale says AI represents a seismic shift but that human judgment, experience and taste will remain important.
- He argues brand is even more important for B2B brands in the AI age and expects closer alignment between brand building and sales conversion.
- Lonsdale recommends investing in creator and influencer marketing for B2B in 2026.
- The Drum B2B Awards entries close July 23.
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1 Entity mapped“Working alongside some of the world’s biggest consumer brands within Publicis Groupe, he has seen at close range what compounding brand inve...”
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